To allow visual examination of tumors, obstructions, secretions, or foreign bodies in the tracheobronchial tree

To diagnose bronchogenic carcinoma, tuberculosis, interstitial pulmonary disease, and fungal or parasitic pulmonary infections

To obtain specimens for microbiological and cytologic examination

To locate bleeding sites in the tracheobronchial tree

To remove foreign bodies, malignant or benign tumors, mucus plugs, and excessive secretions from the tracheobronchial tree

Make sure that a consent form is signed by the child’s parents or legal guardians.

Note and report all allergies.

Instruct the child and his parents that he must fast for 6 to 12 hours before the test.

Obtain results of preprocedure studies; report abnormal results.

Obtain the child’s baseline vital signs.

Administer an I.V. sedative as ordered.

Explain to the child and his parents that the test takes 45 to 60 minutes.

Explain to the child and his parents that blocking of the airway won’t occur and that hoarseness, loss of voice, hemoptysis, and a sore throat may occur.